Thread: 16mm melamine 920mm shelf strong enough?

if the shelf is pinned across the back and is only for light usage... then no worries.. if there is any deflection, you can add a 2 x 1 later..
good luck

cool, never thought of that, thanks.

I would add a rebated solid piece of timber glued to the front. It hides the edge as well as adding strength and prevents the shelf from chipping should something be dragged over the edge - it also reduces the risk of getting cut as the edge of cut melamine is quite sharp. If it is chipboard coated with melamine I would also seal the other edges to minimise moisture absorption.

just some thoughts, regards,
Bob

If you don't have the skills/tools to rebate a 16mm channel along the upper edge of the supporting timber you can just rest it on top, and cover the edge of the melamine shelf with a strip of iron on melamine edging. I always stick it on and then cut the excess off with a *sharp* stanley knife. Do this first, and then stick the timber on around the back. You could lay some timber around the back the same size as what you use at the front. Like this-->